February 20, 2015

Hollyford Conservation Trust Newsletter #1

This first newsletter confirms an Otago Community Trust grant of $90 000.00 to enable the Hollyford Conservation Trust to proceed with stage 1 of its project to establish a 2500 hectare sanctuary at Martins Bay.

Ground work in stage 1 will cover about a third of the total project area and will consolidate the gains achieved through the Department of Conservation’s successful 1080 application in December 2014.

Other news items include a farewell to Martin’s Bay identity, Dave Comer, who died late last year and a welcome to the Trust’s newly appointed manager, Michael Pullar.

September 11, 2014

Great start to the Hollyford Conservation Project

A fantastic start to our project: DoC has confirmed that the lower Hollyford – from the Kaipo River through to Big Bay, a total of 19,617 hectares – will be included in their Battle for our Birds predator control campaign.

This will result in significant control of all introduced predators – possums, rats and stoats – across the entire area, providing a massive initial “knock down” of pests throughout the trust’s focus area and buffer zones.

“This is a significant first step in our ecological restoration project,” says trust Chairman Ron Anderson. “We couldn’t have asked for a better start. We’re enormously grateful to all at the Department of Conservation who have recognised the merits of our project and are offering such significant support.”

The Hollyford Conservation Trust has embarked on a massive fund raising effort and we’re well on our way to begin ground operations this summer, maximizing the impact from the 1080 control. “We’ve been amazed at the response from the general public,” says Anderson. “Anyone who visits the area is touched by the magic of the place and simply wants to help. The response by individuals, businesses and all stakeholders has been humbling. Our vision is for twenty plus years into the future. And we’ve made a terrific start.”

Note: DoC will hand lay 1080 on all private land, providing a 150 metre buffer around all dwellings and water sources. For any further information on Battle for our Birds and the proposed aerial 1080 treatment see http://www.doc.govt.nz/battleforourbirds or DoC Visitor Centre Te Anau. The department plans to begin operations, weather permitting, mid September.

July 20, 2014

Hollyford Conservation Trust Launch – a Huge Success

Wednesday 16th July dawned fine and clear, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters arriving from all directions at first light. By 9.30am there were over 50 stakeholders and supporters assembled at Martins Bay Lodge to welcome the Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith. When he finally arrived it was all boats down to the beach from where we had the official welcome (kia ora and thanks to Oraka Aparima runaka representative Stewart Bull), presentation of the partnership agreement by the children of Martins Bay, a few words from the Minister then finally the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Conservation and the Hollyford Conservation Trust.

Then it was back to the lodge for lunch (warm thank you to Shaun Bilham and Bard Crawford for the delicious cuisine), introductions to all trustees and warm words from all including Southern Regions’ Conservation Services Manager Allan Munn and Director of Partnerships Kay Booth.

The day was a huge boon to all with such notable guests as Ed Cotter, harking back to the days of Davey Gunn, and Peter Johnson, ecologist with well over 30 years experience in the Hollyford. Thank you to all those who sent apologies, but thank you also to all those who made it to the bay for the day to support the project. It was day we will all remember.

If you missed all the wonderful media coverage please click on the following links:

Billie Comer ensures the Minister contributes to her donation box before he flies out.

July 13, 2014

HCT Launch, 16th July

The Honourable Dr Nick Smith, Minister of Conservation, will be journeying to Martins Bay, Hollyford Valley, on July 16th 2014 to officially launch the Hollyford Conservation Trust.

He will be accompanied by the Director of Partnerships Kay Booth and Southern Regions’ Conservation Services Director Allan Munn.

Trust Chair Ron Anderson says the trust is delighted to be able to host the event alongside Ngai Tahu Tourism (The Hollyford Track) at the Martins Bay Lodge. They are hoping kaumatua from local runaka will be able to attend, and as many of the landholders and supporters of the trust as possible.

The day will include a tour of the lower Hollyford Valley and an historic signing of the partnership between The Hollyford Conservation Trust and The Department of Conservation.